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Old Coach Road Trail

Halifax North West Trails Association

Record #: NST0048
Last Modified: 15 Jan 2020
Last Full Update: 12 Mar 2019

Location

Located In Mainland Halifax
Where To Find Us
Trailhead:
76 Southgate Dr.
Bedford, NS
Canada B4A 4K8

Description & Services

Trail Surface This 1-km crusher dust trail with undulating slopes winds through the treed green space within the Bedford Ravines neighbourhood. A short boardwalk crosses a cascading brook; no winter maintenance.
Trail Activities Hiking ; Trail Running ; Walking ; Snowshoeing ; Geocaching ; Bird Watching ; Nature Viewing ; Dog Walking (on leash)
Trail Attributes Point to Point Trail ; Interpretive Signage ; Reliable Cellphone Reception
Facilities At Start/End/Along Trail Benches ; Trail Map Signage
Facilities Near Trail Public Transportation
Information This trail, rated Fairly Easy, is a historic trail preserved in the Ravines of Bedford South housing development. The trail is lined with beautiful undulating tree cover and ferns, with small ponds and brooks. It runs above and parallel to the western shore of the Bedford Basin; which can be viewed from the adjacent street and walkway network. This trail is popular among individuals and groups for the interpretation of nature. There are benches along the trail. 
 
Enjoy the interpretive panel and map where hikers will find information on Cultural and Natural History at the trailhead at 76 Southgate Drive. As well, a self guiding brochure is available for users to borrow on the hike. Discover this historic route once travelled by coaches to Bedford and beyond. 
 
The Old Coach Road Trail runs from Vanier Way to Southgate in Bedford. There is a continuation of the trail which runs from Vanier Way into the woods behind Fernleigh Park subdivision. GPS unknown at this time. 
 
Feature points:  
The trail offers a gentle stroll under canopied trees. There is the remnant of an old wall, probably dating to the early years of the trail; seasonally there are several species of wild flowers (painted trilliums, etc.) and frogs in the pond. 
 
Historical information:  
The original road (running parallel to the Bedford Highway) seems to date from 19th or 20th century. The trail follows an old logging road or military trail and was ameliorated by Clayton Developments during the building of the Ravines of Bedford South subdivision. No conclusive evidence has appeared to determine whether it was used as an alternate to the Bedford Highway or simply as a logging road. In this century its original starting point was near the present Larry Uteck Blvd. with its termination at Pine Street (no longer in existence) in Bedford.

Special Information